‘High tobacco use, poor diet worsening non-communicable diseases’

The high rate of tobacco use, alcohol consumption, poor diet and sedentary lifestyle especially among the youths in the country is worsening the rate of non-communicable diseases. The Epidemiological Society of Nigeria (EPISON) stated this in a communiqué issued after its 6th annual scientific conference and general meeting in Abuja. EPISON is a professional multidisciplinary […]

The high rate of tobacco use, alcohol consumption, poor diet and sedentary lifestyle especially among the youths in the country is worsening the rate of non-communicable diseases.

The Epidemiological Society of Nigeria (EPISON) stated this in a communiqué issued after its 6th annual scientific conference and general meeting in Abuja.

EPISON is a professional multidisciplinary society incorporating all professional bodies in the field of epidemiology.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs )are diseases of long duration and generally slow progression. The four main types of noncommunicable diseases are cardiovascular diseases (like heart attacks and stroke), cancer, chronic respiratory diseases (such as chronic obstructed pulmonary disease and asthma) and diabetes.

The society, in the communiqué signed by its President, Prof. A.I Zoakah and General Secretary, Dr. Matthew Ashikeni, said that Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) technology has potential benefits for massive food production in order to tackle the challenges of food security in Nigeria.

It, however said it is concerned about the risks associated with new technology without strong institutional regulatory capacity that will monitor unintended consequences of GMOs and ensure that such technologies are not misused.

The epidemiologists also said that the nation’s routine immunization coverage has not attained the level necessary to maintain required herd immunity for all vaccine preventable diseases, in order to disrupt transmission.

EPISON, therefore recommended improved and sustained intersectoral action dealing with the environmental, zoonotic, parasitological and modifiable lifestyle risk factors driving the communicable and non-communicable diseases burden in the country.